A method for selecting a target network side device includes: after at least one first network side device completes admission control and receives a data packet for user equipment, selecting, by the user equipment, from the at least one first network side device according to configuration information of the at least one first network side device, a first network side device that meets a first preset condition as a target network side device to communication with the user equipment, where the at least one first network side device is a candidate target network side device that is determined by a second network side device and that is for communication with the user equipment that meets a second preset condition; and sending, by the user equipment to the first network side device, a message instructing the first network side device to provide a service for the user equipment.